Professional Chicago Bellydancer ~ Performer & Instructor

Mahira is a Chicago area Belly Dance performer and instructor. Mahira is a true entertainer with her upbeat, fun personality and energetic stage presence. Her performances are electrifying. Known for her fast and precise finger cymbals (zills) and a cappella zill solo performances, she is "Chicago's best ziller".

Mahira also is a private dance performer coach/mentor to many professional and up and coming bellydancers in the greater Chicagoland area. She is available to teach workshops local and across the USA.

Mahira was drawn to dance as a child. Explored many different styles and genres of dance. She has studied Middle Eastern dance with many admired instructors within the USA as well as many International instructors and continues her dance training by attending private lessons/coaching, classes and workshops. Her dance styles include; American Classic Style BellyDance, Modern and Classic Egyptian, Improvisational Tribal Style (ITS) and Tribal Fusion.​

She has been dancing and performing for over 20 years with a strong dance background of ballet, jazz and tap.

She also dabbles in salsa and Argentine tango.

Mahira has appeared on Chicago's WGN morning news "Around Town" and has been interviewed for three Chicago Tribune articles.

She was also an extra in the movie "Just Like A Woman" starring Sienna Miller.

Mahira is an Ensemble Cast Member of the Chicago all female late night variety show Beast Women

Here's what people are saying about Mahira

I think that belly dancer Mahira likes to mess with her audience.I think she wants her audience to think she’s a novice who took a belly dancing class and mustered up a little nerve, when in reality she is a highly skilled master of muscular control. Mahira likes to start small and build to ever more amazing displays of her art, and this dramatic effect is always crowd-pleasing. By J. Scott Hill - Chicago Stage Review

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Yippeee! I am woefully out of shape and hate exercise - so BORING! So, I signed up for belly dancing classes with Mahira. I had my first class last week. I didn't think it would be hard and I'd have a few laughs. Well... I swear I worked up a sweat like a racehorse! I moved muscles I didn't know existed except in medical books. Whew! What a great, intensive workout - at least for me. It was a BLAST! I overcame being self-conscious (my jiggles kept jiggling when we stopped!) almost immediately. It was so much fun! I can't wait to go back next week. The instructor is really friendly, upbeat, and has a positive attitude. Yep, she's positive that we can do it and by golly, by the end of the class, we actually could do it! Yippee! Doesn't matter whether you're a beginner or long-time dancer. She's got the right class for you. I didn't put in her address as it is her residence, but you can visit her web page, email her or call. By the way, you will stretch, you will move and work up a lot of sweat, you can get your heart racing, but belly dancing is LOW impact on your joints - which, in my case, is PERFECT!!!!!! ~written by Mandy

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Thank you for coming out this past Sunday and making my Bridal Shower so memorable. Everyone loved you and we all had a great time. You are amazing at your belly dancing skills and a great performer. Thank you again! :) ~written by Diti

******************************************Mahira performed at our wedding (Oct. 22 2010), and boy did that get the dance floor going, She was AWESOME!!!!!!!!!! ~written by Joseph B.

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I am thoroughly enjoying Mahira's class. I am a beginner and her teaching style is perfect. She makes you feel good about your movements, helping you every step of the way. Can't wait to get a whole dance together!! ~written by Dawn

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Mahira has a very well run class. I like her teaching style. I also like her way of critiquing and showing the correct way of doing something. Proper technique is emphasized. Amazing zill instruction. ~written by Denise

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I have been taking classes for over a year and absolutely LOVE Miss Mahira! Her teaching style works with every student she works with. Miss Mahira keeps her students positive about themselves and their ability to dance. It is up to the student if we want to perform or not, and if so, she is great about getting us prepared, knowing our dance moves and finding haflas and opportunities to show off what we have learned. Also her classes are a great workout! She is deeply rooted in the Belly Dance community and knows all that is going on when and where. Please contact her now & get signed up, you will not ever ever ever regret it!!! :) ~written by Peg

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Mahira is a true professional and a fabulous dancer. You know she is having a great time and just electrifies the room with her passion. ~written by Eileen

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Mahira is always at the top of her game. ~written by B.

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I hired Mahira for my daughter's bridal shower. We had so much fun. She was friendly, professional and a beautiful dancer. Thanks Mahira. ~written by J.

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Mahira provided a stellar performance. One of the best dancers around! ~written by P.D.